This is from Mark Burton's, (the Minister of Defence) press release page.
http://labour.org.nz/labour_team/mps...lus/index.html
Were they ever involved in active service?
No
Why did the Government decide they were no longer required?
The Government Defence Statement of 2001 called for a “refocused and updated Air Force”:
"The recently completed review of the options for an air combat capability confirmed the finding of the 1998 Air Combat Review chaired by Sir Wilson Whineray that the air combat force equipped with the A-4 Skyhawk in its current state would be a marginal asset to any multinational coalition, and its operational utility will continue to decline. Retaining a force that has never been, and is unlikely ever to be, used would require in excess of one billion dollars in capital expenditure and increases in the NZDF's operating baseline over the next 10 years in the region of $1.2 billion. That is unsustainable” – the Government Defence Statement 2001
A great case of only telling half the truth.
Firstly, separate the selling of the Skyhawk from the overall disbandment of the Air Combat Force.
I partially agree that the A-4 was no longer a modern front line fighter/attack aircraft, but it was effective when compared to regional threats - in the short term. Getting rid of the Skyhawks is/was not the big issue, but it was an easy way out.
Here's what the Whineray review said about the requirement for an Air Combat Force:
The Whineray Review in 1998 concluded that the air combat capability had high policy value in protecting and promoting New Zealand’s local, regional and global security interests. It was considered to be fundamental to demonstrate that New Zealand is serious about its own defence, and to send a clear message about our commitment to broader security.
Labour's own Derek Quigley recommended in 2000 that the F-16 lease agreement be continued (albeit at reduced numbers), a study that was overridden by the Prime Minister.
http://www.executive.govt.nz/f16/rev...ecommendations
Here's what the NZ Ministry of Defence had to say in conclusion in 2001:
Retaining a reduced air combat capability would balance the strategic and foreign policy risks of eliminating the capability with the financial risks of maintaining air combat as part of the NZDF structure.
Elimination of the air combat force entirely carries strategic, foreign policy and military operational risks.